There are some elements and materials in a home that never go out of style. Trends will always follow us. Some people get very excited about them and want to try it all. Why?Because that’s what the industry wants you to do. There I said it.

As a designer, I never recommend clients follow trends. It may be what they see in the stores and all over the internet. But, it likely will not be a trend for too long. The really good trends will stay for a good long while, but not forever. Some things become trendy and then bounce in and out of the industry over the years. How do you know if something will remain timeless or not? Keep reading to find out if what you’re loving is a trend or not.

1. White Kitchen…

   I adore a white kitchen. It’s clean and bright, like a spring day. White is a clean slate. What else do you want clean? The area you’re preparing food and cooking in, right? White is sterile and happy.

   Verdict: here to stay

2. Shiplap…

You know it. Joanna Gaines made it popular on her show Fixer Upper several years ago. Historically, it is seen in older homes in certain areas. I’ll admit it, I have a tiny bit of shiplap in my home. Mainly because it was the easiest way for the hubs to DIY a mud room bench area and cover up the drywall on our island when we moved into our pre loved home. Different styles of paneling have come and gone over the years. We have the brown 1970’s paneling that covered entire rooms, wainscoting, board and batten, and beadboard. They’ve all had their moment. The intention is good here. It adds detail and makes certain homes look more custom. However, according to the type of paneling, it will date your home. It also depends on your location and style of home. If you live in an old home where you were able to expose some original shiplap, then I say go for it. But, if you’re adding it to a new home unless it’s a New England beach house, skip it.

Verdict: sorry guys, trend

3. LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)…

It’s become widely popular over the past few years and understandably so. It’s highly durable, some look exactly like wood, easy DIY install, lots of color choices. I get it. It’s a choice, but it will never rival real hardwood floors. If you want something that will last forever, remain classic and never go out of style, choose hardwood not LVP. Remember about 10 years ago when engineered hardwood was the new fad? Now, not so much. Really, it depends on what you can afford and how long you will be in a home. Certain stain colors go out of style, like honey and more orangey and red stains. Again, it’s the industry telling you what’s in and what’s not. Just know that real hardwood floors can be refinished up to 10 times. That’s some pretty good longevity if you ask me.

Verdict: LVP is a trend

4. Rattan, wicker, bamboo, caning…

Personally, I adore all of these. I have it woven throughout my home in almost every room. I have rattan counter stools which I adore and highly recommend. (See link under photo) I have different kinds of rattan baskets and trays and woven chairs. But, can I use these forever or will they look dated in a few years? Honestly, this one could go either way. Wicker outdoor furniture will not go out of style. It may weather, but won’t look dated as long as the shape is classic. Faux bamboo I believe is a trend. Caned chairs will go out of style in a few years. It comes back modernized about every so often. It was big in the 80’s and now it’s big so be careful. Baskets will never go out of style. They add texture and natural, organically shaped material to a space.

Verdict: Rattan and Wicker forever, bamboo and caning will come and go

5. Subway tile…

While it may be boring to some, it is a timeless choice. It’s just a rectangle and it’s white. You can’t really go wrong because it goes with every style. It’s been used for many years and it’s inexpensive. There are many ways you can jazz it up. You can put it in a different pattern, use a colored subway tile or go for a handmade tile that has some more character to it.

Verdict: not a trend